“Have you a passport?” at length demanded the national.

I remembered having read that the best way to win a Spaniard’s heart is to treat him with ceremonious civility.  I therefore dismounted, and taking off my hat, made a low bow to the constitutional soldier, saying, “Senor nacional, you must know that I am an English gentleman, travelling in this country for my pleasure; I bear a passport, which, on inspecting, you will find to be perfectly regular; it was given me by the great Lord Palmerston, minister of England, whom you of course have heard of here; at the bottom you will see his own handwriting; look at it and rejoice; perhaps you will never have another opportunity.  As I put unbounded confidence in the honour of every gentleman, I leave the passport in your hands whilst I repair to the posada to refresh myself.  When you have inspected it, you will perhaps oblige me so far as to bring it to me.  Cavalier, I kiss your hands.”

I then made him another low bow, which he returned with one still lower, and leaving him now staring at the passport and now looking at myself, I went into a posada, to which I was directed by a beggar whom I met.

I fed the horse, and procured some bread and barley, as the Gypsy had directed me; I likewise purchased three fine partridges of a fowler, who was drinking wine in the posada.  He was satisfied with the price I gave him, and offered to treat me with a copita, to which I made no objection.  As we sat discoursing at the table, the national entered with the passport in his hand, and sat down by us.

National.—­Caballero!  I return you your passport, it is quite in form; I rejoice much to have made your acquaintance; I have no doubt that you can give me some information respecting the present war.

Myself.—­I shall be very happy to afford so polite and honourable a gentleman any information in my power.

National.—­What is England doing,—­is she about to afford any assistance to this country?  If she pleased she could put down the war in three months.

Myself.—­Be under no apprehension, Senor nacional; the war will be put down, don’t doubt.  You have heard of the English legion, which my Lord Palmerston has sent over?  Leave the matter in their hands, and you will soon see the result.

National.—­It appears to me that this Caballero Balmerson must be a very honest man.

Myself.—­There can be no doubt of it.

National.—­I have heard that he is a great general.

Myself.—­There can be no doubt of it.  In some things neither Napoleon nor the sawyer {5} would stand a chance with him for a moment.  Es mucho hombre.

National.—­I am glad to hear it.  Does he intend to head the legion himself?

Myself.—­I believe not; but he has sent over, to head the fighting men, a friend of his, who is thought to be nearly as much versed in military matters as himself.